We were lucky to catch up with Katy Martin recently and have shared our conversation below.
Katy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Often outsiders look at a successful business and think it became a success overnight. Even media and especially movies love to gloss over nitty, gritty details that went into that middle phase of your business – after you started but before you got to where you are today. In our experience, overnight success is usually the result of years of hard work laying the foundation for success, but unfortunately, it’s exactly this part of the story that most of the media ignores. Can you talk to us about your scaling up story – what are some of the nitty, gritty details folks should know about?
When I started Coastal Coordinating, my goal was simple: provide reliable, professional coordination services that clients could trust. Like many entrepreneurs, I began with a vision, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to delivering exceptional results. What I quickly learned was that growing a business requires much more than simply doing great work. It requires building systems, developing relationships, and continuously adapting to new opportunities.
In the early stages, much of my time was spent working directly in the business. As demand increased, I recognized that true growth would require me to work on the business as well. That meant creating processes that could be replicated, investing in technology to improve efficiency, and establishing clear standards for service delivery. By doing so, I was able to maintain quality while taking on more clients and projects.
One of the most significant factors in our growth has been the relationships we’ve built throughout the community. Coastal Coordinating has always believed that success is rooted in trust. By consistently delivering on our commitments and focusing on client satisfaction, we have benefited from referrals, repeat business, and long-term partnerships that continue to drive our growth today.
Another key element has been embracing change. Every stage of growth presents new challenges, whether it’s expanding services, managing larger projects, or navigating economic shifts. Rather than viewing these challenges as obstacles, I’ve learned to see them as opportunities to improve and innovate. Staying flexible and open to new ideas has allowed Coastal Coordinating to evolve alongside the needs of our clients and the marketplace.
As we’ve scaled, I’ve also learned the importance of investing in people. Building a strong team has enabled us to expand our capabilities while maintaining the personalized service that has always defined our brand. Surrounding myself with talented, dedicated professionals has been one of the best decisions I’ve made as a business owner.
Looking back, the journey has been both rewarding and educational. Scaling a business is not about growing as quickly as possible. It’s about growing sustainably, with purpose and a clear vision for the future. I’m proud of how far Coastal Coordinating has come and excited about what’s ahead. Our commitment remains the same as it was on day one: providing exceptional service, creating value for our clients, and continuing to build a business that positively impacts the communities we serve.
Growth doesn’t happen overnight, but with persistence, adaptability, and a focus on relationships, it’s possible to transform a small business into a thriving organization. Coastal Coordinating’s story is proof that with the right foundation, growth becomes not just achievable, but sustainable.
Katy, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My journey into the wedding and event planning industry began while I was attending The Ohio State University. Through internships during college, I discovered a passion for creating memorable experiences, coordinating details, and bringing people’s visions to life. What started as an introduction to the industry quickly became a career that I have been fortunate to build for more than 20 years.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with countless clients, venues, and vendors, each experience teaching me something new about the art and business of event planning. Through Coastal Coordinating, I have built a brand centered on professionalism, creativity, organization, and exceptional client service.
My discipline comes from years of experience and a deep understanding that successful events don’t happen by chance. They happen through preparation, communication, problem-solving, and attention to every detail. Whether I’m planning a wedding, coordinating a special event, or managing logistics behind the scenes, I approach every project with the same commitment to excellence.
At Coastal Coordinating, I provide event planning and coordination services designed to take the stress off my clients and allow them to fully enjoy their celebrations. I believe my role goes beyond simply organizing events. My job is to solve problems before they happen, navigate unexpected challenges with confidence, and ensure every detail comes together seamlessly.
What sets me apart is my ability to combine creativity with practical execution. Anyone can create a beautiful event, but creating an event that runs smoothly, reflects a client’s personality, and exceeds expectations requires experience and dedication. I take pride in truly listening to my clients, understanding their goals, and creating customized solutions that fit their vision.
One of the things I am most proud of is the trust my clients place in me. Many of my opportunities come through referrals and repeat business, which tells me that the relationships I build are just as important as the events themselves. There is no greater compliment than having someone recommend my services because of the experience I helped create.
The growth of Coastal Coordinating has been fueled by passion, consistency, and a genuine love for what I do. I believe that every event tells a story, and I am honored to help my clients tell theirs. After more than two decades in this industry, I remain as excited and inspired as I was when I first started, and I look forward to continuing to create meaningful, memorable experiences for years to come.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned while building Coastal Coordinating is that people don’t connect with perfection. They connect with authenticity.
When I first started growing my social media presence, I thought I needed every post to be polished and perfectly curated. Over time, I realized that what truly resonated with people wasn’t just the finished product; it was the story behind it. My audience wanted to see the person behind the brand, the planning process, the challenges, the excitement, and the genuine passion that drives what I do.
Social media has become one of the most powerful tools for growing my business because it allows me to showcase not only beautiful events but also my personality, values, and expertise. I have built my audience by consistently showing up as myself and sharing real experiences from my journey in the event industry.
One piece of advice I always give to those starting out on social media is to focus on being genuine rather than trying to be someone else. Trends come and go, but authenticity never goes out of style. People can tell when content feels forced, and they can also tell when someone is passionate about what they do. The more you allow your true voice to come through, the easier it becomes to build trust and meaningful connections.
For me, that means sharing both the highlights and the behind-the-scenes moments. I show the excitement of a wedding day, but I also share the planning, preparation, problem-solving, and coordination that make those moments possible. I believe that transparency helps people understand the value of what we do and creates a stronger connection with potential clients.
Another important strategy has been showcasing a variety of events. While weddings are a significant part of my business, I intentionally share different types of projects to demonstrate the full range of services Coastal Coordinating can provide. Whether it’s weddings, corporate events, private celebrations, community gatherings, fundraisers, networking events, or milestone occasions, each event tells a different story and highlights a different skill set.
By showcasing a diverse portfolio, I help potential clients see possibilities they may not have considered. Someone may discover my work through a wedding post but later realize I can also help with a corporate event, nonprofit fundraiser, or special celebration. Social media allows me to tell a broader story about my business and the many ways I serve my clients.
Consistency has also been key. Building an audience doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built one post, one conversation, and one relationship at a time. I focus less on follower counts and more on creating content that provides value, inspires people, and reflects who I am as a business owner. When you consistently show up with purpose, the right audience finds you.
Ultimately, social media growth is about building relationships. The goal isn’t simply to gain followers. It’s to create trust. When people feel like they know you, understand your values, and see the quality of your work, they become more than followers. They become clients, referral partners, advocates, and supporters of your brand.
After more than 20 years in the event industry, I can confidently say that the most successful social media strategy isn’t about chasing algorithms. It’s about showing up authentically, sharing your expertise, highlighting the full scope of your work, and allowing people to connect with the real person behind the business.
We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.
One of the things I value most in my business is the relationships I build with my clients. While many people view an event as a single day or a one-time service, I have always believed that the connection shouldn’t end when the event is over. In many ways, that’s when the relationship truly begins.
From the very beginning of the planning process, I focus on creating open, consistent communication with my clients. Event planning is personal, and whether I’m helping coordinate a wedding, celebration, corporate event, or special occasion, I want my clients to know they have someone they can trust every step of the way. I take pride in being accessible, responsive, and genuinely invested in their experience.
What has helped build brand loyalty over the years is my commitment to staying connected long after the event has ended. After every event, I make it a point to follow up with clients, check in on them, and let them know they are still on my mind. I never want someone to feel like they were simply another event on the calendar. Each client represents a relationship that I value and appreciate.
One of my favorite ways to reconnect is by sharing photos and memories from their special day. Whether it’s an anniversary, a milestone date, or simply a moment when I come across images from their event, I love reaching out and reminding them of the memories we created together. Those small gestures often spark conversations, bring back meaningful emotions, and reinforce the connection we built during the planning process.
Over the years, many of my clients have become much more than clients. I’ve watched couples celebrate anniversaries, grow their families, advance in their careers, and reach important milestones. Being able to stay connected and share in those moments is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
I believe brand loyalty is built through genuine care, not marketing tactics. People remember how you make them feel. When clients know that you value them beyond the transaction, they are more likely to return, refer others, and remain connected to your brand for years to come. That’s why I focus on creating meaningful relationships rather than simply completing projects.
Some of my greatest opportunities have come from referrals and repeat clients, and I believe that’s a direct result of the trust and connections I’ve worked hard to cultivate. The relationships I’ve built throughout my more than 20 years in the event industry are the foundation of Coastal Coordinating and one of the things I am most proud of.
At the end of the day, events may last a few hours, but relationships can last a lifetime. My goal has always been to create experiences that people remember and connections that continue long after the celebration is over. That commitment to personal connection, consistent communication, and genuine care is what continues to foster loyalty, strengthen my brand, and make this work so meaningful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.coastalcoordinating.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coastalcoordinating/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coastalcoordinating/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoastalCoordinating
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/@CoastalCoordinating
https://www.tiktok.com/@coastalcoordinating
Image Credits
Eli Meyer Studio
Amber Yonkers Photography
Eddy Almaguer Photography
Carolyn Rowe Photography